Student life in Berlin: What international students need to know

Moving to Berlin for your studies comes with plenty of practical questions.

Where should you live? How much money will you need each month? Is public transport easy to use? What can you do after class? And how do you start meeting people when you are new to the city? Will I be able to talk when I don’t get the language?

These are the things that shape student life in Berlin once you arrive.

If you are planning to study in the German capital, here is what you should know about accommodation, daily costs, transport and settling into your new routine.

What is student life in Berlin like?

Berlin is a large city, so there is no single student experience.

Your day may start with a train or tram to class. You might stop at a supermarket on the way home, meet classmates for coffee or spend the evening in a park, museum or local event.

You also do not have to live in the centre to enjoy the city. Berlin's public transport makes it possible to live in different neighbourhoods and travel to school.

For many international students in Berlin, the first few weeks are about getting used to small things: finding the nearest supermarket, understanding the transport system and working out which places you like in your local area.

After a while, these things become part of your normal routine.

Where do students live in Berlin?

Students live across Berlin rather than in one main student area.

Your choice of accommodation will usually depend on your budget, how much privacy you want and how far you are happy to travel each day.

Common options include:

• A room in a shared apartment
• A student residence
• A homestay
• A hostel for a shorter stay
• A private studio or apartment

Shared accommodation can be a useful option if you want to reduce your housing costs and are comfortable living with other people. A private apartment may give you more space and privacy, but it will usually cost more.

Before choosing somewhere to live, check:

• What is included in the rent
• Whether you have a private or shared room
• How long it takes to get to your school
• Which public transport stops are nearby
• Whether Wi-Fi is included
• Whether you can use a kitchen
• Whether food is provided or not
• Whether there are extra costs for laundry or other services

Accommodation is usually one of the biggest costs when living in Berlin as a student, so it is worth starting your search early.

How much does student life in Berlin cost?

Your monthly spending will depend mainly on your accommodation and lifestyle.

As a general guide, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) currently estimates that students in Germany may need around €900 to €1,200 per month for living costs. This can include rent, food, transport, phone costs and personal spending. Rent can change considerably from one city to another and usually takes the largest part of the budget.

For Berlin, it is better to create your budget around your actual accommodation rather than rely on one fixed monthly number.

You can divide it into four main areas:

Leaving a little extra money for your first month can also help. You may need things for your room, a transport pass or other items that you did not need at home.

Getting around Berlin

Berlin has a large public transport network.

You are likely to use:

• U-Bahn – underground trains
• S-Bahn – city and suburban trains
• Trams
• Buses

Walking and cycling can also work well for shorter distances.

If you use public transport regularly, check which ticket suits your stay. The Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month in 2026 and can be used on local and regional public transport across Germany. It does not cover long-distance trains such as ICE services. English Path

Your route may look complicated the first time you use it. After taking the same train or tram a few times, it usually becomes much easier.

Food and everyday life in Berlin

Cooking some of your meals can help you manage your weekly spending.

Berlin has supermarkets at different price points, as well as bakeries, cafés, restaurants and international food shops.

One useful thing to know before you arrive is that most shops in Berlin are closed on Sundays. Some supermarkets at large train stations and airports remain open, and there are selected shopping Sundays during the year.

So it can help to do your main food shopping earlier in the week.

You may also come across Pfand when buying some bottled or canned drinks. This is a deposit included in the price. You can return the empty container and get the deposit back.

These may seem like small details, but knowing them before you arrive can make the first few days easier.

What can students do after class?

Class is only one part of studying in Berlin.

The city has parks, markets, museums, cafés, music venues and events, so you can choose activities that suit your interests and budget.

Organised student activities can also be useful when you have just arrived. They give you something to do without having to organise everything yourself, and you may meet other students who are also new to Berlin.

English Path's EPic Experience starts before students arrive and continues during their course. It includes induction, student clubs, social and cultural activities, and support from Student Services.

You do not need to fill every free hour with activities. Sometimes meeting a classmate for lunch, visiting a market or walking around a different part of Berlin is enough to start feeling more familiar with the city.

Meeting people when you are new

Arriving in a city where you do not know anyone can take some getting used to. You do not have to make a large group of friends straight away.

Start with simple things. Have lunch with people from your class. Join a school activity. Go to a language café or ask someone if they want to visit somewhere at the weekend.

Your classmates can be a good starting point because many of them may also be new to Berlin.

Using English while living in Berlin

German is part of everyday life in Berlin, so knowing a few German words and phrases can be helpful.

At the same time, Berlin has a large international community. You may find yourself using English with classmates and people from different countries.

If improving your English is one of your reasons for coming to Berlin, this gives you opportunities to use what you study outside class.

EP Berlin offers English and German courses from its school in Moabit. Its current Berlin information also includes social and cultural activities alongside classes.

English Path has more practical information about this in its guide to learning English in Berlin.

Things to know before studying in Berlin

A little preparation can make your first weeks easier.

• Arrange accommodation early. Consider the travel time as well as the rent.
• Plan your monthly spending. Start with accommodation, then add food, transport and personal costs.
• Check your route to school before your first day.
• Remember that most shops close on Sunday.
• Check the rules that apply to your stay. Visa, insurance and registration requirements can differ depending on your nationality and length of stay.

You do not need to understand everything about Berlin before you arrive.

Knowing where you will live, how you will travel to class and roughly what you will spend gives you a good place to start.

Ready to start your student life in Berlin? Explore English Path Berlin and see what studying in the city could look like for you.